Pulmonary considerations in the critical care phase

Spinal cord injuries create alterations in ventilatory mechanics that range from complete ventilator dependence in high cervical injuries to the need for an assisted cough to clear secretions in low thoracic injuries. The initial nursing assessment should include the degree of respiratory muscle impairment, the effectiveness of the patient's inspiratory efforts, and the ability to cough. Once the mechanisms responsible for respiratory difficulty have been determined, nursing interventions can be planned to compensate for impaired function. This may involve assisted coughing, frequent chest physiotherapy and suctioning, monitoring vital capacity and ABGs, and use of kinetic beds. Perhaps the greatest challenge for both the nurse and the patient is weaning from mechanical ventilation. Weaning requires a coordinated plan, based on trust between patient and nurse, in order to achieve maximum independence from ventilatory support.